The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' Champions of Character provides training to ensure student-athletes know, do and value the right things in all areas of life. The five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership are put into play, accounted for and tracked at all NAIA schools.
As an NAIA institution, Park University has developed a Champions of Character campus program that includes:
• Ongoing character education for all student-athletes by offering the #emPowerParkPirates and incorporating Champions of Character into current activities.
• Professional development for coaches, athletics administrative staff including completion of the Character-Driven Coaching course.
• Emphasis on hospitality and game management of athletics events and conduct in competition
• Servant leadership activities that promote student leadership and athletic community engagement
• Ongoing oversight and assessment of progress in the program's implementation by both Park and the NAIA.
Champions of Character Service Projects
Park Earns 2023-24 NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level
Park Earns 2022-23 NAIA Champions of Character Silver Level
April
Kicking For Ukraine - Scrimmage to raise funds for the humanitarian effort in Ukraine
February
Heart Day of Caring - Park ASA organized a food drive for Park's Pirate Pantry, collecting at all February home events at Breckon Sports Center
December
North Cross United Methodist Church - Community Service Event
Don Bosco Christmas Event - Supported families in need
September
"Fore the Cure" - Volunteering at a Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament
2020-2021 Champions of Character Service Projects
June
Park Athletics - Camp Win
Park's athletic department teamed up with Camp Win to give baseball/softball instruction for elementary school aged girls in June 2021. Camp Win is an organization that exists because its volunteers and contributors believe in the physical and emotional well-being of females through involvement in sports and fitness.
Novemeber
Park SAAC - Pirate Pantry
Members of various Park Athletics' programs initiated a successful food drive on campus, partnering with the Pirate Pantry to address food insecurity for Park University students and the surrounding Kansas City, Missouri community as a whole during Fall 2020 of the Corona Virus pandemic.
2019-2020 Champions of Character Service Projects
August
Women's Soccer - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Food Bank
September
Women's Basketball - Harvesters
Volleyball - Harvesters
Park University Champions of Character Headlines
Park University Champions of Character Photo Galleries
